Stump Lake is a larger lake, located in the grasslands south of Kamloops, on Highway 5A.

Directions/Launch:

  • Drive south on Highway 5A for 41 km.
  • The highway continues along the entire western shoreline of Stump Lake.
  • There are 3 launch spots just off the highway.    the first and last are steeper, with limited parking and turn-around.   The second, in the middle, has a graded road, but parking is limited to the roadway because of high lake levels.

The Lakeshore:

  • Most of the lake is surrounded by rangelands or private homes, or the highway.   Nevertheless it is a large enough lake to accommodate many boats.
  • There are marshy sections along the shoreline in spots.
  • Because the lake is 19 km around the shoreline, I usually paddle either the north end of the south end in a given day.

Pros:

  • A larger, scenic lake with lots of room for many boats.
  • One of the first lakes to be ice-free in spring.

Cons:

  • This is a windy spot so go in the morning on a day with favorable forecasts.
  • A popular fishing lake so the launch areas are busy at prime times.
  • No shade on a hot day.

Notes:

  • A good spring paddling choice, but check the wind forecasts first.